8/21-25/22 - Illinois River to Mississippi River
Sunday, August 21 - Seneca to Henry (47.5 NM): The rain has stopped, and we're ready to go! We left Springbrook Marina (MM252), Seneca, IL at 9:30 a.m. and headed to Marseilles Lock - only 8 miles downstream. Our friend, Al Osborn was waiting at his riverfront home to catch up going by on his drone!
Next stop, Starved Rock Marina Lock (MM231). Once again, we went right in for a solo drop of 19 feet.
We finished the day completing 6 hours underway, averaging 7.8kts. We arrived at Lower Henry Island Anchorage (MM193) and were grateful for the recent review that gave us detailed instructions on entry. Despite that, we cut the corner a little close and the depth alarm warned us to find more water! Brian quickly made the adjustment without incident. We threw the anchor and enjoyed a quiet evening accompanied by birds and jumping Asian Carp. Thankfully, none of them boarded our boat. Brian grilled some burgers, and we had a restful night under the stars.
Lower Henry Anchorage
Monday, August 22 - Henry to Havana (63.3NM). We woke to a gorgeous, sunny day, pulled the anchor and did NOT retrace our tracks back out of the anchorage - LOL. We needed to get through the Peoria Lock today because it's going to be closed for a couple of days while the Army Corp installs a bubbler as a method to control the Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes. Hope it works!
We arrived at Peoria Lock (MM158) for a solo descent of 10 feet. This time, we floated in the chamber as opposed to tying up to the wall. Easy Peasy!
We navigated the Illinois River another 40 miles until we arrived at Quiver Island anchorage (MM121). We were just upstream of Tall Timbers Marina, Havana, IL where we stayed in 2017.
After dropping the hook, we rowed our dinghy over for cocktails with the crew of Surface Interval III (Duane & Melinda), who had been enjoying this anchorage all day. The sun started to set, so we had to say goodnight and rowed back to Port-a-Gee where Brian grilled us some delicious chicken thighs.
Surface Interval III @ Quiver
Tuesday, August 23 - Quiver Island to Bar Island (31.2NM). We awoke to a surprise! Journey had snuck in and dropped their anchor behind us early in the morning. They began their day @ 3:00 a.m. so they could get through the Peoria Lock before it closed for the day.
Port-A-Gee, Surface Interval III, and Journey pulled anchors in the late morning to begin our day. Sudden Interval decided to stop at the barge dock in Beardstown. (After hearing about it, I wish we had too). Instead, we joined Journey at Bar Island (MM85.5) for the evening. We dropped our dinghy to enjoy Walt and Leanne's hospitality aboard Journey. Their 54' Ocean Alexander features a full-size refrigerator and AC at anchor! Another lovely evening of fellowship and drinks with Loopers! Thanks for the great pic, Leanne!
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| Port-a-Gee @ Bar Island |
Wednesday, August 24 - Bar Island to Willow Island (49.4 NM). Walt called ahead to the LaGrange Lock and confirmed we could go through within the hour. We pulled anchor and made the quick 5-mile trip to join Journey and Surface Interval II, in the lock for a mere 10-ft drop. Port-A-Gee was able to float in the center of the lock which made everything much easier!
The 3 of us cruised together for the next 44NM until we arrived at Willow Island Anchorage (MM 30.6). Duane & Melinda picked us up in their dinghy and we joined Walt and Leanne aboard Journey for yet another evening of Cocktails!
Cocktail Dinghy!
Thursday, August 25 - Willow Island to Alton Marina (39.5 NM). Today is the day we depart the Illinois River in lieu of the Big Mississip! Our buddy boats all have different agendas today, but we're sure we'll all connect again. The IL River dumps into the Upper Mississippi at MM 218 - Grafton, IL; we continued another 16 miles to Alton Marina.
MM32 - Kampsville Ferry:
Our first Marina this trip. We really need to empty the garbage & waste tank and fill the water. Our quest to stay at anchor has been satisfied, 5 days, and we had enough provisions/water to go at least 1 more. So maybe it was worth the year-long delay?
We tied up in a covered slip and familiarized ourselves with Alton Marina. We were surprised to learn that they have a 2-for-1 deal going on - $44 for 2 nights! They have a nice pool and several really nice, clean, private shower rooms. We walked .5 mile to Bluff City Grill and had a fantastic meal. We're going to like it here!
Bluff City Grill
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| Room w/view - Alton |
Illinois river takeaways:
- Nature is much more abundant than it was in 2017!
- Daily, multiple Bald Eagle sightings - exciting every time!
- Asian fish - they make their presence known, so they get a mention!
- The river is inhabited by many more sea birds than we remember seeing 5 years ago. We were surprised to see American White Pelicans, with black-tipped wings in Upper Peoria Lake
Photo Credit: Paradise News FL
- Where are the channel markers??? They're almost as elusive as the Eagles.
- Oh wait, here they are - LOL:
- Buddy Boats - In the past, we were off "looper schedule", so we were alone most of the time. We were so delighted to cruise, talk and drink with other Loopers!
- Solar and icemaker are gamechangers! Icemaker = drinks! We'll collect some more Solar data and devote a post to its attributes at a later date.
- Fuel costs! It is what it is. Our solar panels and larger water tank have really helped to offset those costs, so no complaints here :)
- Spotty Cell Service - We have AT&T, and connectivity was minimal most of the way down
(Editor's note: This dang program is glitchy - apologies for the wonky picture placement, odd fonts, etc)
Next up, Mississippi . . . .
LEG STATS:
Miles: 230.90 Nautical Miles: 47.5, 63.3, 31.2, 49.4, 39.5
Locks: (4) Marseilles, Starved Rock, Peoria, LaGrange
Marinas: (1) Alton Marina (2 nights)
Anchorages: (4) Lower Henry, Quiver Island, Bar Island, Willow Island
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